Side Effects of the ARB Drug Avapro for Hypertension Control

Avapro is a medication used to reduce high blood pressure, prescribed on its own or in combination with other hypertension medicine. The brand name for irbesartan, Avapro is also prescribed to treat diabetic nephropathy, which involves kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes. Many side effects are possible, but most people do not experience any.

Function

• Avapro is classified as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a chemical that causes blood vessels to narrow, so its presence in Avapro helps relax blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

Side Effects

• Though uncommon, Avapro side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, joint pain, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion, and headache.

Considerations

• In clinical studies with Avapro, the most common side effect was dizziness experienced by patients taking the drug for diabetic nephropathy, according to eMedTV. Dizziness can occur when blood pressure drops too low.

Warning

• Avapro should not be taken during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects. Rarely, Avapro has been linked to a disorder involving muscle breakdown that leads to kidney damage. Avapro also may cause an allergic reaction, and the drug is linked to decreased kidney function in patients with congestive heart failure.

Drug Interactions

• People using Avapro may not be able to safely take diuretics or drink alcohol because these drugs can also lower blood pressure. Taking potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium, may cause abnormally high blood levels of potassium.